King remembrance events scheduled

Published: Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 01:00 PM.

Rather, they have planned several events in Eastern North Carolina on Sunday and Monday to join in celebration of the man who voiced his dream of equality.

In Downtown Jacksonville, community members are invited to join in a Sunday supper similar to those King and his leaders would participate in.

The MLK Supper begins at 6 p.m. at St. Julias, located at 112 Kerr St.

According to Joan Bond, president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Tau Omega Omega chapter in Jacksonville, the third annual spaghetti dinner will include several guest speakers who will focus on how to make the most of education.

“When Martin Luther King would get together with his leaders and the people who worked with him, they’d meet on Sunday evening and have a meal together and that’s when they’d discuss the issues or thing that were coming up that they need to address,” she said.

Rather, they have planned several events in Eastern North Carolina on Sunday and Monday to join in celebration of the man who voiced his dream of equality.

In Downtown Jacksonville, community members are invited to join in a Sunday supper similar to those King and his leaders would participate in.

The MLK Supper begins at 6 p.m. at St. Julias, located at 112 Kerr St.

According to Joan Bond, president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Tau Omega Omega chapter in Jacksonville, the third annual spaghetti dinner will include several guest speakers who will focus on how to make the most of education.

“When Martin Luther King would get together with his leaders and the people who worked with him, they’d meet on Sunday evening and have a meal together and that’s when they’d discuss the issues or thing that were coming up that they need to address,” she said.

During the first supper, organizers asked participants to share their concerns and about 30 were identified.

“Each year after that we’ve taken three or four and addressed at the next Martin Luther King supper, but this year we’re only addressing (education). We feel so strongly about this one and we just know it’s going to be a great program,” Bond said.

Speakers include former associate superintendent of Pender County Schools Audrey Toney and retired principal and professor Climetine Clayburn.

Also on Sunday, Changing Hearts Ministries will conduct a Youth Day Tribute to King at 11 a.m. at Summersill School, building J. The Rev. Anthony Merritt said the church’s youth will read special passages that pertain to King during the service. For information, call 910-340-0111.

The Martin Luther King Keeping the Dream Alive Committee will meet at the rear entrance of New Bridge Middle School Monday for an 11 a.m. march, said Libbi Beane, secretary of the committee. There, participants will be able to get a sign and prepare to march for the seventh year. Beane said the hour-long march will travel along U.S. 17 north with police escorts to help the marchers travel safely.

Following the march, participants will head to the DAV building, located at 300 Sherwood Road, for a program to include guest speaker retired Sgt. Maj. Michael Cline and praise dancers. There will also be a free chili lunch.

“It’s just to remember what Martin Luther King has done and we’re still trying to keep that going,” she said.

Last year, more than 200 people participated. Beane said she hopes to see even more this year.

The Rev. Joel Churchwell of Sandy Run Missionary Baptist Church said a special MLK service will be held at Carebridge Assisted Living Monday at 10 a.m.

The service, which he said is in its sixth year, is open to the public.

Churchwell said the service will consist of songs, highlights of King’s life and a brief message.

“They enjoy it, the residents and the staff participate and then any family members of the residents normally attend as well. Over the course of the years, it’s grown a following other than just the residents.” he said.

A celebration is held annually in Carteret County to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and his message of unity.

The free event is open to the public and begins at 11 a.m. at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City.

“We want to continue to encourage people to work together and to do as much as we can to promote unity and hope,” said Pauline Walker, a member of Carteret County’s volunteer Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Committee.

The event honors King by bringing together members of the community through music, fellowship and an inspirational message. This year’s guest speaker will be motivational speaker Christopher King of Newport. Musical performances will be by the youth choir from Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and the group Family Worship, both of Beaufort.

Lunch is served at the close of the event.

In Jones County, the 26th annual birthday celebration of King will take place Sunday at 4 p.m. at the NWA Tabernacle, located at 1002 Ten Mile Fork Road in Trenton, according to event information.

Rev. Joseph George of New Bern, the former principal of Jones Junior High School, is scheduled to be the guest speaker for the event.

Committee member Etta B. Murrell said that the organization will be taking donations for its scholarship fund during the program.

Amanda Hickey is the government reporter at The Daily News. She can be reached at amanda.hickey@jdnews.com.